Josephine Chepkoech provisionally suspended for testosterone use

Kenyan long distance runner Josephine Chepkoech has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for the use of a prohibited substance - Testosterone.

The 35-year-old was found to have contravened articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the WADA World Anti-Doping Code last updated in September 2023.

The Wednesday evening announcement thus means that she will temporarily be barred from participating in any competition or activity in Athletics prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct.

Chepkoech, just two weeks ago on 28 April, won the Santiago Marathon in Chile in a time of 2:20:14.

In another event this year, Chepkoech finished second to Ethiopian Azmera Gebru Hagos at the Zurich Marathon in February, where she obtained a cash prize worth €7,500 (Ksh. 1,058,692).

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With the positive test, Chepkoech now joins a long list of Kenyan athletes that also includes: Beatrice Toroitich, Rodgers Kwemoi, Rhonex Kipruto, Purity Changwony, Lawrence Cherono, Ibrahim Mukunga, Salina Jebet, Nicholas Mboroto and Jackline Wambui.

Wambui is the latest entrant, and was flagged for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (19-Norandrosterone, 19-Noretiocholanolone).

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